by Benjamin Castor

Created on: January 25, 2008

When looking through the endless list of names of goal scorers, there are several that stand above the rest. Those who have taken their names to another level when it comes to soccer history. Years and years of sending fans into frenzies as they celebrate at the corner flag with their teammates. The most prolific goal scorer is someone who consistently, when healthy, contributes to their club throughout the campaign. Goal scorers are relentless in the penalty area, always finding a way to put themselves in position to scorch one into the roof of the net. Plain and simple, a goal scorer scores goals.

There is only one name that immediately comes to mind in this topic, and that is Ruud Van Nistelrooy. A strong, quick, goal hungry forward, Van Nistelrooy has been terrorizing defenses since his move to striker in his early days with FC Den Bosch of the Dutch League. Combining his size and ball control, Van Nistelrooy quickly made a name for himself, scoring 12 goals in the first campaign since his switch from defender to forward. Soon after, PSV Eindhoven swooped in and signed the up and coming star. During his first two years, the Dutch sensation scored over 30 goals a year and lead PSV to two league titles. Following his introduction to the soccer world, the striker was approached and transferred to Manchester United under Alex Ferguson for almost 19 million pounds. Rapidly he repaid them for their trust in his services, notching a combined 80 goals in his first two campaigns with the English club. With his goals came popularity, as soon into his career with Manchester, United fans would chant "Ruud" after every goal scored by the Dutch assassin. After completing his five year contract with the English giants, Van Nistelrooy had notched combine 150 goals in all competitions, an absolute phenomenal mark. After a successful run with United, Van Nistelrooy inked his signature with Real Madrid, one of the most well-known clubs in soccer history. Without surprise, he has quickly adapted to yet another type of soccer, scoring goals in sensational manner. Halfway through his second season with Madrid, he has accumulated almost 50 goals, showing his dedication for goal scoring has not dwindled.

With power or precision, Ruud Van Nistelrooy is without a doubt the most prolific goal scorer in soccer at this time. With 300 goals already, the Dutch hit man shows no signs of slowing down in the forthcoming campaigns. Furthermore, he has shown his resilience by continually succeeding, no matter what league or style of soccer is being played. Whether it's in the fast-paced, tough English Premiership, or in the technical, fancy Spanish La Liga, Van Nistelrooy brilliantly has dazzled fans worldwide. He is a phenomenon, an assassin, but by far, he is a goal scorer.

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